JP6875474B2 - Communication system and communication method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transmission device, a relay device, a communication system, a transmission method, a relay method, and a program for transmitting a packet to a client.

Due to the speeding up of access lines and interface standards, the main bottleneck in the current speeding up of Internet communication is the processing performance of content servers (transmitting devices).

When many clients request content from the content server at one time, the response speed of the content server to each client slows down. In addition, as the capacity of content increases, the demand for processing performance of the content server also increases. If the content server is replaced each time the demand for processing performance is met, the cost of the hardware itself and the work involved in the replacement will increase.

Therefore, it is required to assist the function of the content server with other devices.

21 and 22 show an example of a method of assisting the function of the content server.

FIG. 21 is an example in the case of using the application optimization device. In this example, the application optimization device is arranged at the base (service site) where the content server is installed. The application optimizer optimizes communication between the content server and the client by providing, for example, a cache function and a compression / decompression function for transmitted data in order to effectively utilize the WAN (Wide Area Network) bandwidth. (Speed up). There are various optimization methods depending on the protocol and application. The router (relay device) in the site monitors the communication between the content server and the client, and forwards the necessary packets to the application optimization device. Then, the packet returned from the application optimizer is forwarded to the original destination.

Further, FIG. 22 is an example in which the router realizes the same function as the application optimization device. In this example, the router has a packet analysis function and an optimization function. The packet analysis function is a function that analyzes the contents of the upper layer like Deep Packet Inspection.

In the method shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the router monitors the packet between the content server and the client and analyzes the contents of the upper layer.

However, in general, the contents of the layer above the encrypted layer cannot be deciphered on the route. Also, on the Internet, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) communication, which encrypts communication data between the content server and the client using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), TLS (Transport Layer Security), etc., is common. It has become. Therefore, it is difficult for the router to monitor the communication content.

On the other hand, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the communication control device transmits a marking request to the ingress router, and the ingress router adds marking information to the packet included in the packet flow according to the marking request. Then, the control router controls the packet flow based on the marking information. This makes it possible for the control router in the core part of the network to perform flow control.

Further, in the method described in Patent Document 2, the relay device adds the fluctuation amount information of the communication path to the packet and transfers it, and the communication terminal uses the fluctuation amount information to set the delay fluctuation absorption amount in the delay buffer means. There is. This makes it possible for the communication terminal to set an appropriate delay fluctuation absorption amount in the delay buffer means even at the start of communication or when the fluctuation amount changes.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-150955 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-114680 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-1357776

However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, since the communication control device transmits a marking request to the router, the communication control device monitors the communication between the content server and the client. Therefore, if the content data transmitted by the content server is encrypted, it is not possible to make the router control according to the content data. In addition, since the communication control device monitors all packets between the content server and the client, the load associated with monitoring is large.

Further, also in the method described in Patent Document 2, in order to give control information to the communication terminal by the relay device, if the content data input to the relay device is encrypted, the control according to the content data is communicated. I can't let the terminal do it. In addition, since the relay device monitors all packets between the content server and the client, the load associated with monitoring is large.

An object of the present invention is a transmitting device, a relay device, a communication system, and a transmission that enable a relay device to assist the function of the transmitting device without the relay device monitoring the contents of packet data transmitted by the transmitting device. To provide methods, relay methods, and programs.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the transmitting device of the present invention includes a packet generating unit that generates the packet including processing information indicating processing performed by the relay device on the packet, and a transmitting unit that transmits the packet. It is characterized by being prepared.

Further, the relay device of the present invention is characterized by including a receiving unit for receiving the packet including processing information indicating processing to be performed on the packet, and a processing unit for processing the packet according to the processing information.

Further, the transmission method of the present invention is characterized in that the packet including the processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device for the packet is generated and the packet is transmitted.

Further, the relay method of the present invention is characterized in that the packet including the processing information indicating the processing to be performed on the packet is received, and the packet is processed according to the processing information.

According to the transmission device, the relay device, the communication system, the transmission method, the relay method, and the program of the present invention, the relay device assists the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device. Will be possible.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the transmission device and the relay device of 1st to 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the transmission device of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the relay device of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system of the 2nd to 5th embodiments of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the packet transmitted by the transmitting apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the transfer data amount and the reproduction data amount in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the transfer data amount and the reproduction data amount. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the virtual network of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the transfer data amount and the reproduction data amount in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the packet transmitted by the relay device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the transmission device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the relay device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the relay device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the relay device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the relay device of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the relay device of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the transmission device of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the relay device of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of each embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the method of assisting the function of a content server. It is a figure which shows the example of the method of assisting the function of a content server.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the present embodiment.

The transmission device 10 of the present embodiment is composed of a packet generation unit 11 and a transmission unit 12.

The packet generation unit 11 is a part that generates a packet including processing information indicating processing performed on the packet by the relay device 20. The transmission unit 12 is a portion that transmits a packet.

Further, the relay device 20 of the present embodiment is composed of a receiving unit 21 and a processing unit 22.

The receiving unit 21 is a part that receives a packet including processing information indicating processing to be performed on the packet. The processing unit 22 is a unit that processes a packet according to the processing information.

By configuring the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 in this way, the transmission device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation of the transmission device 10 of the present embodiment.

The packet generation unit 11 generates a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed on the packet by the relay device 20 (step S101). Then, the transmission unit 12 transmits the packet (step S102).

Further, FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation of the relay device 20 of the present embodiment.

The receiving unit 21 receives the packet including the processing information (step S103). The processing unit 22 processes the packet according to the processing information (step S104).

By operating in this way, the transmitting device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment more specifically describes the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, a method of reducing quality deterioration of content reproduction in a client when the transfer rate from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20 is lower than the reproduction rate of content (video, etc.) will be described.

First, FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the communication system of the present embodiment. The communication system of the present embodiment includes a transmission device 10, a relay device 20, a router 81, and a client 82.

In the present embodiment, the transmission device 10 is a content server that receives a content request from the client 82 and responds to the content. The transmission device 10 connects to the Internet 80 via the relay device 20. Further, in the present embodiment, the relay device 20 is a router that connects the transmission device 10 to the Internet 80. The client 82 is a device that requests content from the transmission device 10 and reproduces the content received from the transmission device 10. The client 82 connects to the Internet 80 via the router 81. The router 81 connects the client 82 to the Internet 80. It is assumed that the client 82 and the transmission device 10 communicate with each other by HTTPS.

Here, it is assumed that the client 82 requests the moving image data from the transmitting device 10. At this time, if the transfer rate from the transmission device 10 to the client 82 is higher than the reproduction rate of the moving image data, the client 82 can normally reproduce the moving image data by securing a sufficient buffer.

However, if there are many clients accessing the transmitting device 10 and the resources of the transmitting device 10 are used to the limit, the transfer rate from the transmitting device 10 to the client 82 may be low, or the transfer process may be delayed. .. In such a case, there is a possibility that quality deterioration such as dropped frames or pause may occur in the moving image played by the client 82.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the content data transmitted by the transmission device 10 is buffered (stored) in the relay device 20 or the like to reduce the deterioration of the quality of the content reproduced by the client 82.

Next, a configuration example of the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The packet generation unit 11 of the transmission device 10 is a part that generates a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed on the packet by the relay device 20. The transmission unit 12 is a unit that transmits the packet generated by the packet generation unit 11.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a packet transmitted by the transmitting device 10. FIG. 5A is an example of a normal packet that does not include processing information. At this time, the packet generation unit 11 stores the information of the client 82 as the destination of the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) header, and the moving image data as the data. In addition, since communication is performed by HTTPS, the data part is encrypted.

FIG. 5B is an example of a packet including processing information transmitted by the transmitting device 10. The transmitting device 10 adds a new header to the encapsulated original packet. The new header includes a TCP / IP header whose destination is the relay device 20 and processing information. The processing information includes the data stream number and the request buffer size for buffer processing. The data stream number is a number unique to continuous content data.

Further, by storing an arbitrary extended header type indicating processing information in the next header of the IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) IP header and storing the processing information in the extended header, the packet having the configuration of (b) in FIG. 5 can also be stored. Can be generated.

The packet generation unit 11 adds processing information to packets that need to be processed by the relay device 20, and does not add processing information to packets that do not need to be processed by the relay device 20. Therefore, the packet generation unit 11 has the configuration of FIG. 5 (b) for packets that need to be processed by the relay device 20, and the configuration of (a) of FIG. 5 for packets that do not need to be processed by the relay device 20. Generate a packet.

The receiving unit 21 of the relay device 20 is a portion that receives a packet from the transmitting device 10. The processing unit 22 is a unit that processes a packet according to the processing information included in the packet.

In the present embodiment, the receiving unit 21 receives the packet having the configuration of FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B. Then, when the receiving unit 21 receives the configuration of FIG. 5A, that is, the packet that does not include the processing information, the processing unit 22 outputs the received packet as it is to the client 82. Further, when the receiving unit 21 receives the packet including the configuration shown in FIG. 5B, that is, the processing information, the receiving unit 21 processes the packet according to the processing information.

When the packet received by the receiving unit 21 includes the processing information including the data stream number and the request buffer size as shown in FIG. 5, the processing unit 22 transmits the packets of the same data stream number until the request buffer size is reached. Buffer. Then, when packets are accumulated up to the requested buffer size, the accumulated packets are output to the client 82.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the amount of data transferred from the transmitting device 10 to the relay device 20, the amount of data transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81, and the amount of reproduced data of the content (video, etc.). It is assumed that data can be instantly transferred from the router 81 to the client 82.

When the transfer rate from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20 is lower than the video playback rate, if the video data is transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81 as it is, the video data is exhausted on the client 82, and frames are dropped or sound is cut off. Occurs.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the relay device 20 buffers the packets until the requested buffer size is reached. Then, when the packet is buffered to the requested buffer size, the packet is forwarded to the client 82. At this time, by making the transfer rate from the relay device 20 to the router 81 higher than the content reproduction rate, it is possible to reduce the exhaustion of the content on the client 82.

When the relay device 20 starts the transfer of the accumulated packets to the client 82, the amount of data to be transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81 is transferred without being accumulated with the amount of the packets received from the transmission device 10 and accumulated. It is the total amount of packets. When the relay device 20 finishes transferring the accumulated packets to the router 81, the amount of data transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81 is only the amount of the packets received from the transmission device 10 and transferred without being accumulated. Therefore, the amount of data transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81 is as shown by the thick line in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the amount of data buffered by the relay device 20 is small, the amount of content playback data catches up with the amount of data transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81, and the quality of content playback on the client 82 deteriorates. Leads to. Therefore, it is desirable that the request buffer size notified from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20 is determined to be a sufficient amount so that the quality deterioration of the content reproduction is within an allowable range.

As a method for determining the request buffer size in the transmission device 10, for example, the following method can be considered. Here, three examples are given, but the method for determining the request buffer size is not limited to these methods.

First, the first method is to determine the request buffer size based on the playback bit rate of the content. For example, the time of the content to be buffered is determined in advance according to the playback bit rate of the content. Then, the playback buffer size is determined by multiplying the playback bit rate of the content by a predetermined time.

The second method is to determine the request buffer size based on the data size of the content. For example, the ratio of the request buffer size is determined in advance according to the data size of the content. Then, the playback buffer size is determined by multiplying the data size of the content by a predetermined ratio.

The third method is to determine the request buffer size (X) based on the transfer rate (a) from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20, the content reproduction rate (b), and the content data size (A). Is. For example, considering that the data transfer from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20 and the data reproduction of the content are completed at the same time as shown in FIG. 6, the request buffer size X is calculated by the following equation 1. be able to.

The request buffer size calculated by Equation 1 is a minimum value for the amount of content reproduction data not to overtake the amount of data transferred from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20. Therefore, a value with a margin in the request buffer size calculated in Equation 1 is determined as the request buffer size specified in the processing information. Further, the transmission device 10 may specify the request buffer size by the amount of packets so that the relay device 20 can easily process the packets.

In any of the above methods, the quality of content reproduction on the client 82 may deteriorate due to fluctuations in the amount of transferred data or the like. However, if buffering is not performed, quality deterioration may always occur from the start to the end of content transfer. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the relay device 20 buffers, so that the transfer speed from the relay device 20 to the router 81 can be increased and the quality deterioration of the content reproduction can be reduced.

Next, a packet buffering method will be described. The following two methods can be considered as the packet buffering method.

First, the first method is a method of buffering packets in a buffer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) mounted on the relay device 20. The relay device 20 stores data of the required buffer size or more in the buffer of the relay device 20, and outputs the stored data to the client 82 at a speed equal to or higher than the content reproduction rate. This makes it possible to reduce the deterioration of the quality of the content played by the client 82.

The second method is a method of accumulating packets on the virtual network by transferring the packets from the relay device 20 onto the virtual network in which the route that causes the transfer delay is set. In this method, the resources of the relay device 20 can be saved as compared with the case where the packet is buffered in the buffer on the relay device 20. The virtual network can be constructed by, for example, the method described in Patent Document 3.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the communication system in this case. In this example, a virtual network 83 is constructed between the relay device 20 and the router 81.

Next, a method of accumulating packets on the virtual network 83 will be described with reference to FIG.

The IC router 84 (84a, 84b, 84c, 84d) is a router that transfers packets between the real network (Internet 80) and the virtual network 83. (Note that "IC" is an abbreviation for Inter Connect, which is an abbreviation unique to the present specification.) The MP router 85 (85a, 85b) is a router that performs forwarding within the virtual network 83. (Note that "MP" is an abbreviation for Mid-Point and is an abbreviation unique to this specification.)
For each router in the virtual network 83, the virtual network 83 is set in advance by setting a low transfer rate, lengthening the residence time, setting a virtual link between nodes far enough on the real network, and the like. Make sure that the packets that pass through are delayed.

For example, assume that the relay device 20 is an IC router 84a and the router 81 in FIG. 8 is an IC router 84b. At this time, there are two routes from the IC router 84a to the IC router 84b: a route via the MP router 85a and the MP router 85b, and a route via the MP router 85b.

Here, it is assumed that all the packets corresponding to the requested buffer size are transferred from the IC router 84a (relay device 20) to the MP router 85b. Further, the MP router 85b receives data corresponding to the requested buffer size and then outputs the data to the IC router 84b (router 81). Therefore, the delay amount of the route via the MP router 85b is set to be equal to or longer than the time T required for buffering for the requested buffer size. The time T can be calculated from the transfer rate from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20 and the request buffer size. Further, the relay device 20 transfers the packet to a route having a delay amount of time T or more.

FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the amount of data transferred from the transmitting device 10 to the relay device 20, the amount of data transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81, and the amount of content reproduction data on the client 82 in this case. In this example, it is assumed that the delay amount in the MP router 85b is the time T required for buffering for the requested buffer size. Further, it is assumed that the data transfer from the router 81 to the client 82 and the data transfer from the relay device 20 to the router 81 without going through the virtual network are performed instantaneously.

At this time, since the MP router 85b delays the packet by the time T, the packet transferred from the transmitting device 10 to the relay device 20 from the time 0 to the time T passes from the time T to the time T via the MP router 85b. It arrives at the router 81 during 2T. Further, the packet transferred from the transmitting device 10 to the relay device 20 after the time T arrives at the router 81 after the time T without passing through the MP router 85b. Therefore, the amount of data transferred from the relay device 20 to the router 81 is as shown by the thick solid line in FIG. 10, and the transfer rate from the relay device 20 to the router 81 is twice the transfer rate from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20. Become.

However, the packet transferred from the transmitting device 10 to the relay device 20 from the time 0 to the time T is MP at the same transfer rate as the transfer rate between the transmitting device 10 and the relay device 20 from the time T to the time 2T. It is transferred from the router 85b to the router 81. Further, at the time of time 2T, the packet transferred from the transmitting device 10 to the relay device 20 between the time T and the time 2T has arrived at the router 81. Therefore, the amount of reproducible data seen from the client 82 is as shown by the thick dotted line in FIG.

Therefore, the content can be played back at the content playback rate after the time 2T, but the packet arrives at the client 82 at a rate lower than the content playback rate between the time T and the time 2T, so that the content playback quality deteriorates. Occurs.

However, when buffering is not performed, if the transfer rate from the transmission device 10 to the relay device 20 is lower than the content reproduction rate, quality deterioration may always occur during the content reproduction. Therefore, when buffering is performed, even if a quality deterioration period occurs, it is possible to reduce the quality deterioration as compared with the case where buffering is not performed.

Further, it is assumed that the packet is transferred from the IC router 84a (relay device 20) to both the MP router 85a and the MP router 85b. Then, it is assumed that the delay amount of the route via the MP router 85a is the time T and the delay amount of the route via the MP router 85b is T / 2.

As described above, when there are a plurality of routes, the relay device 20 may transfer the packet from the route having a large delay amount to the route having a small delay amount by the size obtained by dividing the request buffer size by the number of routes.

In the case of this example, first, the packet of half the request buffer size is transferred from the IC router 84a to the MP router 85a, and then the other half of the packet is transferred from the IC router 84a to the MP router 85b. In this way, the packet transferred from the transmitting device 10 to the relay device 20 from the time T / 2 to the time T arrives at the router 81 between the time T and the time 3T / 2. Therefore, the quality deterioration period is from time T to time 3T / 2, and the quality deterioration period can be shortened as compared with the case where there is only one transfer path.

In this way, if more forwarding routes are prepared and packets are transferred from a route having a large delay amount to a route having a small delay amount, the quality deterioration period can be further shortened.

The order of arrival of the content data to the client 82 may change due to the difference in the transfer route. When the content reproduction on the client 82 is hindered by the arrival order being changed, a sequence number is assigned to the packet output by the relay device 20, for example, as shown in FIG. Then, the router 81 or the client 82 refers to the sequence number and restores the order of the packets, so that the client 82 can normally reproduce the content.

By configuring the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 in this way, the transmission device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission device 10 transmits the request buffer size to the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 buffers the packets corresponding to the request buffer size. This makes it possible to reduce the quality deterioration of the content reproduction on the client 82.

Further, in the present embodiment, the relay device 20 can buffer packets to the virtual network. In this case, the resources of the relay device 20 can be saved as compared with the case where the packet is buffered in the buffer on the relay device 20. Further, by transferring to the virtual network, it is possible to perform packet transfer processing without affecting other normal communication and route control information in the real network, as compared with the case of transferring to the real network. ..

Next, FIG. 12 shows an operation example of the transmission device 10 of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 13 to 15 show an operation example of the relay device 20 of the present embodiment.

When the transmission device 10 receives a request for content (such as a moving image) from the client 82, the transmission device 10 starts transmitting the content. When the transmission of the content is started, the packet generation unit 11 of the transmission device 10 determines the amount of packets (request buffer size) for requesting buffering from the relay device 20 (step S201 in FIG. 12).

Next, the packet generation unit 11 generates a packet including the content data and the processing information if the amount of packets transmitted to the relay device 20 has not reached the request buffer size (NO in step S202) (step S203). The packet containing the processing information is, for example, a packet having the configuration shown in FIG. 5 (b). The destination of this packet is the relay device 20. Further, in the present embodiment, the processing information includes the data stream number and the request buffer size.

If the amount of packets transmitted to the relay device 20 has reached the request buffer size (YES in step S202), the packet generation unit 11 generates a packet that does not include processing information (step S204). The packet that does not include the processing information is, for example, a packet having the configuration shown in FIG. 5A. The destination of this packet is the client 82.

Next, the transmission unit 12 transmits the packet generated in step S203 or step S204 to the relay device 20 (step S205). Then, the transmission device 10 returns to step S202 when the content data to be transmitted remains, and ends the transmission of the content when the content data to be transmitted does not remain (step S206).

If the packet received by the receiving unit 21 is not addressed to its own device (NO in step S301 in FIG. 13), the processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 transfers the received packet to the next hop by a normal routing process (step). S302). If the received packet is addressed to the own device (YES in step S301), check whether the packet contains processing information, and if there is no processing information (NO in step S303), the packet is originally addressed to the own device. CPU processing is performed (step S304).

If the packet received by the receiving unit 21 has processing information (YES in step S303), the processing unit 22 executes buffering according to the processing information. If the amount of buffered packets does not exceed the requested buffer size (NO in step S305), the processing unit 22 buffers the received packets (step S306). At this time, the processing unit 22 extracts the original packet from the packet, stores the extracted packet in the buffer of the router, or transfers it to the virtual network.

If the amount of buffered packet data exceeds the requested buffer size (YES in step S305), the processing unit 22 performs normal routing processing (step S302). At this time, since the received packet is a packet containing the processing information, the processing unit 22 extracts the original packet not including the processing information from the received packet and transfers the extracted original packet to the next hop.

14 and 15 are operation examples when the buffered packet is output to the router 81. FIG. 14 is an example when the packet is buffered in the buffer of the relay device 20, and FIG. 15 is an example when the packet is transferred to the virtual network.

First, an operation example when buffering a packet in the router of the relay device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation example of FIG. 14 starts when step S306 of FIG. 13, that is, buffering is executed for the first time for each data stream number.

When buffering is started, the transmitter 12 waits for the amount of buffered packets to exceed the requested buffer size. When the amount of buffered packets exceeds the requested buffer size (YES in step S401), transmission of the buffered packets to the router 81 is started (step S402). Then, transmission is continued while there are buffered packets, and when there are no packets to be transmitted (NO in step S403), transmission of buffer data is terminated.

Next, an operation example when a packet is transferred to the virtual network will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a more specific operation example of step S306 (buffering) of FIG. If the amount of buffered packets does not exceed the requested buffer size (NO in step S305), the processing unit 22 determines the MP router to which the packets are forwarded (step S501). Then, the processing unit 22 transfers the packet to the determined MP router (step S502). The packet transferred to the virtual network is transferred to the router 81 via each route.

By operating in this way, the transmitting device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment, the transmitting device 10 generates a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. And send. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission device 10 transmits the request buffer size to the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 buffers the packets corresponding to the request buffer size. This makes it possible to reduce the quality deterioration of the content reproduction on the client 82.

Further, in the present embodiment, the relay device 20 can buffer packets to the virtual network. In this case, the resources of the relay device 20 can be saved as compared with the case where the packet is buffered in the buffer on the relay device 20. Further, by transferring to the virtual network, it is possible to perform packet transfer processing without affecting other normal communication and route control information in the real network, as compared with the case of transferring to the real network. ..

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment describes a specific example in which the relay device 20 encrypts the data instead of the transmission device 10.

The configuration example of the communication system of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. Further, the configuration example of the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the packet generation unit 11 of the transmission device 10 generates a packet including information necessary for encryption as processing information for data requiring encryption. The transmission unit 12 transmits the packet generated by the packet generation unit 11 to the relay device 20.

Further, the receiving unit 21 of the relay device 20 receives the packet from the transmitting device 10. The processing unit 22 encrypts the data portion of the received packet according to the processing information included in the received packet.

By configuring the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 in this way, the transmission device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission device 10 transmits a packet including information necessary for encryption as processing information, so that the relay device 20 can encrypt the data instead of the transmission device 10. ..

Next, an operation example of the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 16.

First, when generating a packet, the transmission device 10 generates a packet including processing information including information necessary for encryption for data requiring encryption (step S101 in FIG. 2). At this time, the destination of the packet is the relay device 20. For data that does not require encryption, a packet that does not include processing information is generated. At this time, the destination of the packet remains the client 82. Then, the transmission unit 12 transmits the generated packet to the relay device 20 (step S102).

When the relay device 20 that has received the packet is not addressed to its own device (NO in step S601 of FIG. 16), the relay device 20 performs normal routing (step S602). If the packet is addressed to the own device (YES in step S601) and does not include processing information (NO in step S603), CPU processing is performed (step S604). If the packet is addressed to its own device (YES in step S601) and contains processing information (YES in step S603), the data portion of the packet is encrypted according to the processing information (step S605).

By operating in this way, the transmitting device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the transmitting device 10 includes processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Generate and send packets. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission device 10 transmits a packet including information necessary for encryption as processing information, so that the relay device 20 can encrypt the data instead of the transmission device 10. ..

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a specific example of packet encryption on a virtual network will be described.

The configuration example of the communication system of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. Further, the configuration example of the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the packet generation unit 11 of the transmission device 10 generates a packet including processing information for data that needs to be encrypted in the virtual network. In the case of the present embodiment, the processing information includes transfer route information (information of the MP router of the transfer destination) and information necessary for encryption. Then, the transmission unit 12 transmits the packet generated by the packet generation unit 11 to the relay device 20.

Further, the receiving unit 21 of the relay device 20 receives the packet from the transmitting device 10. Then, the processing unit 22 generates a packet including information necessary for encryption, and transfers the packet to the MP router specified by the processing information. At this time, the processing unit 22 encapsulates the original packet, sets the destination as the MP router specified in the processing information, adds the information necessary for encryption, and transmits the packet. Then, the MP router that receives the packet encrypts and forwards the packet addressed to its own device.

By configuring the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 in this way, the transmission device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, by designating a router on the virtual network in which the transmitting device 10 performs encryption, it is possible to prevent eavesdropping in a part of the transmitting path.

Next, an operation example of the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 17.

First, the packet generation unit 11 of the transmission device 10 generates a packet including processing information for data that needs to be encrypted (step S101 in FIG. 2). At this time, the processing information includes the information of the MP router on the virtual network to be encrypted and the information necessary for encryption. Then, the transmission unit 12 transmits the generated packet to the relay device 20 (step S102).

When the relay device 20 that has received the packet is not addressed to its own device (NO in step S701 of FIG. 17), the relay device 20 performs normal routing (step S702). If the packet is addressed to the own device (YES in step S701) and does not include processing information (NO in step S703), CPU processing is performed (step S704).

If the packet is addressed to its own device (YES in step S701) and contains processing information (YES in step S703), the processing unit 22 transfers the packet to the MP router specified in the processing information (step S705). At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the relay device 20 encapsulates the original packet and transmits a packet containing information about encryption instead of the sequence number. Then, the MP router that received the packet decapsulates the received packet, encrypts the original packet, and forwards it.

By operating in this way, the transmitting device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first to third embodiments, the transmitting device 10 includes processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Generate and send packets. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, by designating a router on the virtual network in which the transmitting device 10 performs encryption, it is possible to prevent eavesdropping in a part of the transmitting path.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a specific example when the relay device 20 has a cache response function will be described.

The configuration example of the communication system of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. Further, the configuration example of the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the packet generation unit 11 of the transmission device 10 generates a packet including processing information for the content data that responds to the client 82. At this time, the processing information includes information indicating that the cache is stored and information on the tag value for the cache.

Further, when the packet generation unit 11 receives the content request from the client 82, if the requested content is the cached content, the packet generation unit 11 generates a packet including the processing information without including the content data. At this time, the processing information includes information indicating that the reference is a cache and information on the tag value.

The transmission unit 12 transmits the packet generated by the packet generation unit 11 to the relay device 20.

When the processing information of the packet received by the receiving unit 21 indicates cache storage, the processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 stores the content data of the received packet in the relay device 20 or the cache on the virtual network. Further, the original packet is taken out from the packet and transferred to the client 82.

As the cache on the virtual network, for example, an HDD or SSD on the virtual network, a flash memory on the virtual network, or the like can be used.

Further, when the processing information of the received packet indicates a cache reference, the processing unit 22 acquires the content data corresponding to the tag value included in the processing information from the cache, and transmits the packet containing the content data to the client 82. To do.

By configuring the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 in this way, the transmission device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission device 10 transmits a packet including cache storage or cache reference as processing information to the relay device 20. As a result, the relay device 20 can cache the data in the cache of its own device or the cache on the virtual network, and can respond to the cached data to the client 82.

Next, FIG. 18 shows an operation example of the transmission device 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 19 shows an operation example of the relay device 20 of the present embodiment.

When the packet generation unit 11 of the transmission device 10 receives the content request from the client 82, it confirms whether or not the requested content has been cached (step S801 in FIG. 18). Then, when the content is not cached (NO in step S801), a packet including the processing information and the content data is generated (step S802). At this time, the processing information includes information indicating that the cache storage is performed and a tag value.

If the requested content is cached content (YES in step S801), a packet containing processing information is generated (step S803). At this time, the processing information includes information indicating that it is a cache reference and a tag value. Further, the packet generated here is a packet that does not include the content data. For example, in FIG. 5B, the data portion of the original packet is padded.

Next, the transmission unit 12 transmits the packet generated in step S802 or step S803 to the relay device 20 (step S804). Then, when the content data to be transmitted to the client 82 remains (YES in step S805), the transmission device 10 performs the operation of step S801.

When the received packet is not addressed to the own device (NO in step S901 in FIG. 19), the processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 performs normal routing for the received packet (step S902).

When the received packet is addressed to the own device (YES in step S901) and the processing information indicates cache storage (YES in step S903), the processing unit 22 stores the content data part and the tag value of the received part in the cache. .. Further, the processing unit 22 returns the encapsulated packet to the original packet and forwards it to the client 82 (step S904).

When the received packet is addressed to the own device (YES in step S901) and the processing information indicates a cache reference (YES in step S905), the processing unit 22 acquires the content data corresponding to the tag value from the cache. Then, the processing unit 22 returns the encapsulated packet to the original packet, stores the content data in the data portion, and transmits the content data to the client 82 (step S906).

When the received packet is addressed to the own device (YES in step S901) and does not include processing information (NO in step S905), the processing unit 22 performs CPU processing on the packet (step S907). (In the present embodiment, when the processing information is included in the packet, the processing information indicates either cache storage or cache reference.)
By operating in this way, the transmitting device 10 generates and transmits a packet including processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first to fourth embodiments, the transmitting device 10 includes processing information indicating the processing performed by the relay device 20 on the packet. Generate and send packets. Further, the relay device 20 receives the packet including the processing information and processes the packet according to the processing information. As a result, the transmission device 10 that grasps the contents of the upper layer before encryption specifies the processing of the relay device 20, and the relay device 20 performs the necessary processing without grasping the contents of the upper layer. It becomes possible to carry out for the packet received from. Therefore, the relay device can assist the function of the transmission device without the relay device monitoring the contents of the packet data transmitted by the transmission device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission device 10 transmits a packet including cache storage or cache reference as processing information to the relay device 20. As a result, the relay device 20 can cache the data in the cache of its own device or the cache on the virtual network, and can respond to the cached data to the client 82.

In addition to the specific examples described in the second to fifth embodiments, the transmission device 10 and the relay device 20 can also realize processing performed by a general application optimization device such as speeding up the WAN. is there.

[Hardware configuration example]
An example of a configuration of hardware resources for realizing the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 in each embodiment of the present invention described above by using one information processing device (computer) will be described. The transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 may be physically or functionally realized by using at least two information processing devices. Further, the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 may be realized as a dedicated device. Further, only a part of the functions of the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 may be realized by using the information processing device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration example of an information processing device capable of realizing the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 according to each embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input / output interface 92, an arithmetic unit 93, a storage device 94, a non-volatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the transmitting device 10 or the relay device 20 of each embodiment to communicate with an external device by wire or / and wirelessly. When the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 is realized by using at least two information processing devices, the devices may be connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication interface 91.

The input / output interface 92 is a man-machine interface such as a keyboard as an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

The arithmetic unit 93 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The arithmetic unit 93 can, for example, read various programs stored in the non-volatile storage device 95 into the storage device 94 and execute processing according to the read programs.

The storage device 94 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be referred to by the arithmetic unit 93, and stores programs, various data, and the like. The storage device 94 may be a volatile memory device.

The non-volatile storage device 95 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc., and can store various programs, data, and the like.

The drive device 96 is, for example, a device that processes data reading and writing to a recording medium 97, which will be described later.

The recording medium 97 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor flash memory.

In each embodiment of the present invention, for example, the information processing device 90 illustrated in FIG. 20 constitutes a transmission device 10 or a relay device 20, and the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 is described in each of the above embodiments. It may be realized by supplying a program capable of realizing the function.

In this case, the embodiment can be realized by the arithmetic unit 93 executing the program supplied to the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20. Further, it is also possible to configure some functions of the information processing device 90, not all of the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20.

Further, the program may be recorded on the recording medium 97, and the program may be appropriately stored in the non-volatile storage device 95 at the shipping stage, the operation stage, or the like of the transmitting device 10 or the relay device 20. .. In this case, as the supply method of the above program, a method of installing the program in the transmission device 10 or the relay device 20 by using an appropriate jig at the manufacturing stage or the operation stage before shipment may be adopted. .. Further, as the method of supplying the above program, a general procedure such as a method of downloading from the outside via a communication line such as the Internet may be adopted.

It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described, but not limited to:

(Appendix 1)
A packet generation unit that generates the packet including processing information indicating the processing performed on the packet by the relay device, and
A transmission device including a transmission unit for transmitting the packet.

(Appendix 2)
The transmitting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the processing information includes information regarding buffering for the packet.

(Appendix 3)
The transmitting device according to Appendix 2, wherein the processing information includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.

(Appendix 4)
The packet generator determines the request buffer size based on any one or more of the size of the content transmitted in the packet, the reproduction rate of the content, and the transfer rate to and from the relay device. The transmitter according to Appendix 3, which is a feature.

(Appendix 5)
The transmitting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the processing information includes information related to encryption of the packet.

(Appendix 6)
The transmitting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the processing information includes information related to encryption of the packet on a virtual network.

(Appendix 7)
The transmitting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the processing information includes information regarding storage in a cache or reference to the cache for the packet.

(Appendix 8)
The transmitting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the processing information includes information related to WAN (Wide Area Network) optimization.

(Appendix 9)
A receiving unit that receives the packet including processing information indicating the processing to be performed on the packet, and
A relay device including a processing unit that processes the packet according to the processing information.

(Appendix 10)
The processing information includes information regarding buffering for the packet.
The relay device according to Appendix 9, wherein the processing unit buffers the packet according to the processing information.

(Appendix 11)
The information about the buffering includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.
The processing unit buffers the packet according to the request buffer size, and transmits the buffered packet when the amount of the buffered packet exceeds the request buffer size. The relay device according to Appendix 10.

(Appendix 12)
The information about the buffering includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.
The relay device according to Appendix 10, wherein the processing unit transfers the packet to the virtual network until the request buffer size is reached.

(Appendix 13)
The processing information includes information regarding encryption for the packet.
The relay device according to Appendix 9, wherein the processing unit encrypts the packet according to the processing information.

(Appendix 14)
The processing information includes information on encryption of the packet on the virtual network.
The relay device according to Appendix 9, wherein the processing unit transfers the packet to the virtual network according to the processing information.

(Appendix 15)
The processing information includes information regarding storage in the cache for the packet or reference to the cache.
The processing unit stores and transfers the packet in the cache when the processing information includes information about the storage in the cache, and when the processing information indicates the reference to the cache, the processing unit said. The relay device according to Appendix 9, wherein the packet obtained from the cache is transmitted.

(Appendix 16)
The relay device according to Appendix 9, wherein the processing information is information related to WAN optimization.

(Appendix 17)
The transmitter according to Appendix 1 and
Equipped with the relay device
The communication system, wherein the relay device is the relay device described in Appendix 9.

(Appendix 18)
The transmitter according to any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 4,
Equipped with the relay device
The communication system, wherein the relay device is the relay device according to any one of Supplementary note 10 to Supplementary note 12.

(Appendix 19)
The transmitter according to Appendix 5 and
Equipped with the relay device
The communication system, wherein the relay device is the relay device described in Appendix 13.

(Appendix 20)
The transmitter according to Appendix 6 and
Equipped with the relay device
The communication system, wherein the relay device is the relay device described in Appendix 14.

(Appendix 21)
The transmitter according to Appendix 7 and
Equipped with the relay device
The communication system, wherein the relay device is the relay device according to Appendix 15.

(Appendix 22)
The transmitter according to Appendix 8 and
Equipped with the relay device
The communication system, wherein the relay device is the relay device according to Appendix 16.

(Appendix 23)
Generates the packet containing processing information indicating the processing performed on the packet by the relay device, and generates the packet.
A transmission method comprising transmitting the packet.

(Appendix 24)
The transmission method according to Appendix 23, wherein the processing information includes information regarding buffering for the packet.

(Appendix 25)
The transmission method according to Appendix 24, wherein the processing information includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packet to be buffered.

(Appendix 26)
25, wherein the request buffer size is determined based on any one or more of the size of the content transmitted in the packet, the reproduction rate of the content, and the transfer rate to and from the relay device. Described transmission method.

(Appendix 27)
The transmission method according to Appendix 23, wherein the processing information includes information regarding encryption for the packet.

(Appendix 28)
The transmission method according to Appendix 23, wherein the processing information includes information on encryption of the packet on a virtual network.

(Appendix 29)
The transmission method according to Appendix 23, wherein the processing information includes information regarding storage in a cache or reference to the cache for the packet.

(Appendix 30)
The transmission method according to Appendix 23, wherein the processing information includes information related to WAN (Wide Area Network) optimization.

(Appendix 31)
Upon receiving the packet containing processing information indicating the processing to be performed on the packet,
A relay method characterized in that the packet is processed according to the processing information.

(Appendix 32)
The processing information includes information regarding buffering for the packet.
The relay method according to Appendix 31, wherein the packet is buffered according to the processing information.

(Appendix 33)
The information about the buffering includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.
32. Addition 32, wherein the packet is buffered according to the request buffer size, and when the amount of the buffered packet exceeds the request buffer size, the buffered packet is transmitted. Relay method.

(Appendix 34)
The information about the buffering includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.
The relay method according to Appendix 32, wherein the packet is transferred to the virtual network until the request buffer size is reached.

(Appendix 35)
The processing information includes information regarding encryption for the packet.
The relay method according to Appendix 31, wherein the packet is encrypted according to the processing information.

(Appendix 36)
The processing information includes information on encryption of the packet on the virtual network.
The relay method according to Appendix 31, wherein the packet is transferred to the virtual network according to the processing information.

(Appendix 37)
The processing information includes information regarding storage in the cache for the packet or reference to the cache.
When the processing information includes information about the storage in the cache, the packet is stored and transferred in the cache, and when the processing information indicates the reference to the cache, the acquisition from the cache. The relay method according to Appendix 31, wherein a packet is transmitted.

(Appendix 38)
The relay method according to Appendix 31, wherein the processing information is information related to WAN optimization.

(Appendix 39)
On the computer
A packet generation function that generates the packet including processing information indicating the processing performed on the packet by the relay device, and
A transmission program characterized by realizing a transmission function for transmitting the packet.

(Appendix 40)
The transmission program according to Appendix 39, wherein the processing information includes information regarding buffering for the packet.

(Appendix 41)
The transmission program according to Appendix 40, wherein the processing information includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.

(Appendix 42)
The packet generation function determines the request buffer size based on any one or more of the size of the content transmitted in the packet, the reproduction rate of the content, and the transfer rate to and from the relay device. The transmission program according to Appendix 41, which is a feature.

(Appendix 43)
The transmission program according to Appendix 39, wherein the processing information includes information regarding encryption for the packet.

(Appendix 44)
The transmission program according to Appendix 39, wherein the processing information includes information on encryption of the packet on a virtual network.

(Appendix 45)
The transmission program according to Appendix 39, wherein the processing information includes information regarding storage in a cache or reference to the cache for the packet.

(Appendix 46)
The transmission program according to Appendix 39, wherein the processing information includes information related to WAN (Wide Area Network) optimization.

(Appendix 47)
On the computer
A receiving function for receiving the packet including processing information indicating the processing to be performed on the packet, and
A relay program characterized by realizing a processing function for processing the packet according to the processing information.

(Appendix 48)
The processing information includes information regarding buffering for the packet.
The relay program according to Appendix 47, wherein the processing function buffers the packet according to the processing information.

(Appendix 49)
The information about the buffering includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.
The processing function is characterized in that the packet is buffered according to the request buffer size, and when the amount of the buffered packet exceeds the request buffer size, the buffered packet is transmitted. The relay program according to Appendix 48.

(Appendix 50)
The information about the buffering includes a request buffer size, which is information indicating the amount of the packets to be buffered.
The relay program according to Appendix 48, wherein the processing function transfers the packet to the virtual network until the request buffer size is reached.

(Appendix 51)
The processing information includes information regarding encryption for the packet.
The relay program according to Appendix 47, wherein the processing function encrypts the packet according to the processing information.

(Appendix 52)
The processing information includes information on encryption of the packet on the virtual network.
The relay program according to Appendix 47, wherein the processing function transfers the packet to the virtual network according to the processing information.

(Appendix 53)
The processing information includes information regarding storage in the cache for the packet or reference to the cache.
The processing function stores and transfers the packet in the cache when the processing information includes information about the storage in the cache, and when the processing information indicates the reference to the cache. The relay program according to Appendix 47, which transmits the packet acquired from the cache.

(Appendix 54)
The relay program according to Appendix 47, wherein the processing information is information related to WAN optimization.

10 Transmitter 11 Packet generator 12 Transmitter 20 Relay device 21 Receiver 22 Processing unit 90 Information processing device 91 Communication interface 92 Input / output interface 93 Arithmetic logic unit 94 Storage device 95 Non-volatile storage device 96 Drive device 97 Recording medium

Claims (2)

A packet generator that generates a packet containing processing information indicating the processing to be performed on the data,
A transmitter that transmits the packet and
With transmitters, including
The receiver that receives the packet and
When the received packet contains the processing information, a processing unit that processes the received packet according to the processing information, and a processing unit.
With a relay device including
In a communication system equipped with
The processing information includes information regarding storage of the content data in the cache or acquisition from the cache.
The packet generation unit generates a packet containing the processing information for the content data that needs to be stored in the cache or acquired from the cache.
The processing unit
The received packet contains the processing information,
When the processing information is information related to storage in the cache, the content data of the packet is stored in the cache and the packet is transferred or transferred according to the processing information.
When the processing information is information related to acquisition from the cache, the content data is acquired from the cache and the packet containing the acquired content data is transferred according to the processing information.
A communication system characterized by that. The transmitter is
For the content data that needs to be stored in the cache or acquired from the cache, a packet containing the processing information related to the storage in the cache performed for the content data or the acquisition from the cache is generated.
The packet is transmitted to the relay device,
The relay device is
Receive a packet from the transmitter and
The received packet contains the processing information to be performed on the content data.
When the processing information is information related to storage in the cache, the content data of the packet is stored in the cache and the packet is transferred or transferred according to the processing information.
When the processing information is information related to acquisition from the cache, the content data is acquired from the cache and the packet containing the acquired content data is transferred according to the processing information.
A communication method characterized by that.

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